Polarity changeable optical connector

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly and a corresponding method to reverse polarity of the connector. The method enables polarity reversal without bending/twisting optical fibers within the connector assembly.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/315,642, filed on Mar. 2, 2022, the content of whichis relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to fiber-optic assemblies used intelecommunication systems, and in particular relates to duplex fiberoptic connector assemblies and fiber optic cable assemblies permittingpolarity reversal along with methods therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Optical fibers are useful in a wide variety of applications, includingthe telecommunications industry for voice, video, and datatransmissions. In a telecommunications system that uses optical fibers,there are typically many locations where fiber optic cables that carrythe optical fibers connect to equipment or other fiber optic cables.

The capabilities of optical fiber, optical cable and fiber optichardware continuously improve through research and innovation to meetthe demands of increasing numbers of users. This is creating issues ofdensity within even the most spacious data centers. As data centersbecome more densely configured one area of concern is cabling andairflow. Each piece of equipment within the data center isinterconnected to other equipment or to different components within thesame cabinet using jumper cables, Jumper cable assemblies typicallycomprise single fiber connectors and cables, i.e., simplex cableassemblies, usually arranged into sets of two, one input and one output.Large numbers of jumper cable assemblies bunched together are animpediment to maximized air flow, creating blockages and decreasingcooling efficiency in the data center, which can in turn affectperformance. One method of mitigating this issue is to integrate thestandard two-cable duplex cable assembly into a single cable duplexjumper, reducing by half the number of cables required to service agiven data center. While this does indeed decrease the total cable countand serve the intended purpose of improving air flow, there are otherissues that arise.

Most duplex and multi-fiber cable assemblies used in data centers followa polarity scheme established by Addendum 7 to ANSI/TIA/EIA/568B.1,Guidelines for Maintaining Polarity Using Array Connectors ('568B.1-A7).Polarity for duplex jumpers is typically either dedicated A-to-B orA-to-A, depending upon the application. Harnesses that break out arrayconnectors, such as Multi-fiber Push-On (MPO) or the like, frommulti-fiber into single or double fiber cables with simplex or duplexconnectors also follow the standards of polarity spelled out in'5688.1-A7. The craft can correct polarity miscues in typical duplexconnector assemblies by disassembling and reassembling them into thepreferred orientation. U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,262 discloses a duplexconnector cable assembly employing a clip to secure two simplexconnector cable assemblies together. It is obvious to one skilled in theart that the clip can be removed and the duplex connector cable assemblythen reassembled into a different polarity configuration. However, the'262 patent does nothing to address the aforementioned cable crowding.U.S. Pat. App. No. 2008/0226237 discloses a duplex connector cableassembly with a single cable that addresses cable crowding issues, butdoes not address reversing the polarity. Thus, there is an unresolvedneed for a single cable, duplex connector cable assembly with thecapability of polarity reversal in a quick, easy and reliable manner.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly and acorresponding method to reverse polarity of the connector. The methodenables polarity reversal without bending/twisting optical fibers withinthe connector assembly.

In one embodiment, a method of reversing a polarity of a connectorassembly, the connector assembly including a connector subassembly and alatch having a plurality of latch arms, the latch coupled to theconnector subassembly is provided. The method comprising: removing aboot assembly from the connector subassembly; removing the latch fromthe connector subassembly by applying an upward force onto the latch;inverting one of the latch and the connector subassembly from a firstorientation to a second orientation about a central axis of the latch ora central axis of the connector subassembly; applying the latch onto theconnector subassembly at a front end of the connector subassembly.

In another embodiment, the method further comprising: disengaging thelatch from the boot assembly coupled to the connector subassembly byapplying a downward force onto a rear protrusion of the latch. Inanother embodiment, the latch has the first orientation before beingremoved from the connector pre-assembly, and wherein the inverting stepincludes rotating the latch 180 degrees about the central axis of thelatch to the second orientation. In another embodiment, the invertingstep further includes rotating the boot assembly 180 degrees about acentral axis of the boot assembly. In another embodiment, the latchfurther includes at least one flex arm extending from a rear portion ofthe latch and a centering member extending from the rear portion of thelatch, wherein the latch is coupled to the connector subassembly whenthe centering member is inserted into a centering slot of the connectorsubassembly. In another embodiment, removing the latch includes applyingan upward force onto the latch such that the centering member is removedfrom the centering slot and then applying a lateral force such that thelatch is removed from the connector subassembly. In another embodiment,removing the boot assembly includes sliding the boot assembly such thatthe boot assembly disengages from the connector subassembly. In anotherembodiment, the method further including coupling the boot assembly ontothe connector subassembly and the latch in the second orientation. Inanother embodiment, the connector pre-assembly has the first orientationbefore removing the latch from the connector pre-assembly, and whereinthe inverting step includes rotating the connector subassembly 180degrees about a central axis of the connector subassembly to the secondorientation. In another embodiment, the connector subassembly includesat least one ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule coupled to a ferruleholder, wherein the ferrule holder is within a clip carrier that has aprotrusion along a bottom surface of the clip carrier that engages withthe connector subassembly thereby coupling the ferrule and the ferruleholder to the connector subassembly. In another embodiment, the latchincludes a pair of guide bodies on a front end of the latch that arereceived onto the front end of the connector subassembly.

In one embodiment, a method of assembling an optical fiber connectorassembly and reversing the polarity of the optical fiber connectorassembly is provided. The method comprising: inserting a ferrule into aconnector subassembly; cleaving an optical fiber; inserting the opticalfiber into a rear end of the connector subassembly and into an internalbore of the ferrule; securing the optical fiber to ferrule with anadhesive; coupling a boot assembly to a rear end of the connectorsubassembly; and coupling a latch onto a front end of the connectorsubassembly, wherein a rear end of the latch is coupled to the bootassembly; the rear end includes at least one flex arm and a centeringmember extending from the rear portion of the latch, wherein thecentering member engages with a centering slat of the connectorsubassembly to couple the latch to the connector subassembly.

In another embodiment, cleaving the optical fiber occurs after theoptical fiber is inserted into the rear end of the connector subassemblyand before the optical fiber is inserted into the internal bore of theferrule. In another embodiment, the method further including:disengaging the latch from the boot assembly; removing the bootassembly; removing the latch from the connector assembly by applying aforce onto the latch such that the centering member of the latch isremoved from a centering slot of the connector subassembly; invertingthe latch or the connector subassembly from a first orientation to asecond orientation about a central axis of the respective latch or therespective connector subassembly; and applying the latch onto theconnector subassembly. In another embodiment, the inverting stepincludes rotating the latch 180 degrees about the central axis of thelatch to form an inverted latch; and wherein the applying the latch stepincludes applying the inverted latch onto the connector subassembly. Inanother embodiment, the inverting step further includes rotating theboot assembly 180 degrees about a central axis of the boot assembly. Inanother embodiment, the inverting step includes rotating the connectorsubassembly 180 degrees about the central axis of the connectorsubassembly to form an inverted connector subassembly; and wherein theapplying the latch step includes applying the latch onto the invertedconnector subassembly.

In one embodiment, an optical fiber connector assembly is provided. Theoptical fiber connector assembly comprising: a duplex optical fiberconnector assembly comprising: a connector subassembly including aferrule coupled to a ferrule holder, the ferrule and the ferrule holdercoupled to the connector subassembly, and the ferrule extending beyond afront end of the connector subassembly; a boot assembly coupled to theconnector subassembly; and a latch having a plurality of latch arms, thelatch having a front portion coupled to the front end of the connectorsubassembly and a rear portion coupled to the boot assembly; and therear portion includes at least one flex arm and a centering memberextending from the rear portion of the latch, wherein the centeringmember engages with a centering slot of the connector subassembly.

In another embodiment, the rear portion of the latch further includes arear protrusion that engages with the boot assembly. In anotherembodiment, the boot assembly includes a head portion and a tail portioncoupled together, and wherein the head portion includes a cut out,wherein the rear protrusion engages with the cut out on the headportion. In another embodiment, the optical fiber connector assemblyfurther including a clip carrier having a protrusion along a bottomsurface of the clip carrier that engages with the connector subassemblythereby coupling the ferrule and the ferrule holder to the connectorsubassembly, wherein the ferrule and the ferrule holder are housedwithin the clip carrier. In another embodiment, the latch includes guidebodies connected to the plurality of latch arms, wherein the guidebodies are received in recesses on the front end of the connector body.

Additional features and advantages will be set out in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the technical field of optical connectivity. It is to beunderstood that the foregoing general description, the followingdetailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplaryand intended to provide an overview or framework to understand thenature and character of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), andtogether with the description serve to explain principles and operationof the various embodiments. Features and attributes associated with anyof the embodiments shown or described may be applied to otherembodiments shown, described, or appreciated based on this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a standard A-B duplex jumpercable polarity configuration as known in the art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a standard A-B duplex jumpercable polarity configuration as known in the art;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connector assembly in accordance withthe present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the connector assembly in FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a latch of the connector assembly ofFIG. 3 ;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the latch of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the latch of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the latch of FIG, 5 assembled onto aconnector base body of the connector assembly of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the latch and theconnector base body of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the latch and the connector basebody of FIGS. 8 and 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the connector base body of theconnector assembly of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional perspective view of the connector base bodyof FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a ferrule assembly including a ferruleand a ferrule holder;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the ferrule assembly of FIG. 13enclosed in a clip carrier;

FIG. 15 is a sectional perspective view illustrating the ferruleassembly and the clip carrier of FIG. 14 enclosed within the connectorbase body;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a portion of the connector basebody with the ferrule;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the connector base body with theferrule assembly;

FIG. 18 is a sectional perspective view of the connector base body andthe ferrule assembly illustrating insertion of an optical fiber withinthe connector base body and the ferrule assembly;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a boot assembly of the connectorassembly of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the boot assembly of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 21 . is a sectional view of the boot assembly, the latch, and theconnector base body illustrating how the latch and the boot assembly arecoupled;

FIG, 22 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theconnector assembly of FIG. 3 in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the connector assembly in FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a latch of the alternate embodiment ofthe connector assembly of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a connector base body of the connectorassembly of

FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional perspective view of the connector base bodyof FIG. 25 ;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a ferruleassembly including a ferrule and a ferrule holder;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the ferrule assembly of FIG. 27enclosed in an alternate embodiment of a clip carrier;

FIG. 28A is a perspective view of the clip carrier of FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 28B is a rear perspective view of the clip carrier of FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 28C is a bottom perspective view of the clip carrier of FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view illustrating the ferrule assembly andthe clip carrier of FIG. 28 enclosed within the connector base body;

FIG. 30 is a front, perspective view of a boot assembly of connectorassembly of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 31 is a rear, perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 22illustrating the boot assembly of FIG. 30 ;

FIG. 32 is a partial, rear cross sectional view of the connectorassembly of FIG. 22 illustrating the boot assembly of FIG. 30 ;

FIGS. 33-44 are perspective views illustrating methods of reversingpolarity of the optical fiber assembly in accordance with the presentdisclosure; and

FIGS. 45-56 are perspective views illustrating methods of reversingpolarity of the alternate embodiment of the optical fiber assembly ofFIG. 22 in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be clarified by examples in the descriptionbelow. In general, the present disclosure relates to a connectorassembly and a corresponding method to reverse polarity of theconnector. The method enables polarity reversal without bending/twistingoptical fibers within the connector assembly.

FIG. 1 shows a typical A-to-B polarity configuration and FIG. 2 shows anA-to-A polarity configuration, which are both known in the art. In thepast each polarity configuration was either fixed for each cableassembly or was reversible by manually disassembling the cable assemblyand reassembling it in the desired polarity orientation. Duplex jumpercables were typically made from two conjoined simplex jumper cables,with the fiber optic connectors held together by means of a clip-likedevice to create the duplex. This construction required routing of twocables per cable assembly and resulted in crowding of patch panels,airflow issues, tangling of cables and the like.

Single cable duplex jumpers as known in the art greatly improved theissue of crowding and airflow, but sacrificed the ability to reversepolarity. The craft enjoyed the improved accessibility and airflow, butlost the ability to change polarity from A-to-B to A-to-A, or vice versaas the need arose. Conventional, single cable duplex jumpers could notbe altered in the field to change polarity if required. Therefore, ifthe polarity of such a single cable duplex jumper was incorrect it wouldrequire replacement, If a polarity issue arose within another componentin the data center, such as with a module or fiber optic cable harness,the inability to change polarity of the fiber optic cable assembly inthe field required replacement of other components.

Optical Fiber Connector Assembly 100

Referring to FIGS. 3-4 , various views of an optical fiber connectorassembly 100 are shown. Optical fiber connector assembly 100 includes aconnector 101 having a latch 102, connector subassembly 103, crimp band106, and a boot assembly 108 each of which are coupled to each other toform optical fiber connector assembly 100.

Connector 101 is configured to terminate the end of an optical fiber.Connector 101 mechanically couple and align cores of optical fibers solight can pass. As shown, connector 101 is a duplex connector. However,it is contemplated that in alternate embodiments, other suitableconnectors may be used such as simplex connectors, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8 , latch 102 is shown. Latch 102 is configuredto assist in coupling optical fiber connector assembly 100 to relevantreceiving structures (e.g., receiver modules, etc.). Latch 102 iscoupled to connector base body 104 where front end 137 of latch 102 isreceived onto front end 114 of connector base body 104. In particular,front end 137 includes guide bodies 139 that extend from latch arms102A, 102B as shown, and guide bodies 139 couple to front end 114 ofconnector base body 104 as discussed in greater detail below. As shown,guide bodies 139 are received into recess 113 of connector base body 104at front end 114 of connector base body 104 such that guide bodies 139contact front end 114 of connector base body 104 and are contoured tothe shape of connector base body 104 at front end 114. Guide bodies 139include apertures 141 that define and extend passages through whichferrules 120 extend when connector 101 is assembled (FIG. 3 ).

Latch 102 is also configured to reverse the polarity of the opticalfiber connector assembly 100 as discussed in greater detail herein. Asshown in FIGS. 5-8 , latch 102 includes latch arms 102A, 1028 that arejoined at a rear end 136 of latch 102 where the rear end 136 includes arear protrusion 134. Latch arms 102A, 102B are generally parallel;however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that inalternate embodiments, latch arms 102A, 102B are not parallel with eachother. As also shown, each latch arm 102A, 102B includes a retentionprotrusion 138 that engages with connector base body 104 to couple latch102 onto connector base body 104. Referring briefly to FIGS. 9 and 10 ,retention protrusion 138 extends into a window 118 of connector basebody 104 and in turn, latches retention protrusion 138 into place onconnector base body 104. It is within the scope of the presentdisclosure, that alternate coupling configurations of latch 102 andconnector base body 104 may be used (e.g., frictional engagement, etc.).Additional details regarding installation and removal of latch 102 ontoconnector base body 104 are discussed in greater detail herein.

Rear protrusion 134 is configured to latch onto boot assembly 108 (incut out 107) and provides additional security of latch 102 ontoconnector base body 104 of connector assembly 100.

In some embodiments, latch 102 is made of polymeric materials such asUltem®1000 as manufactured by SABIC and other suitable materials.However, in alternate embodiments, it is contemplated that othersuitable materials may be used for latch 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 , connector sub-assembly 103 is shown.Connector subassembly 103 includes a connector base body 104, a ferrule120, and a ferrule holder 122 where connector base body 104 isconfigured to receive ferrule 120 and ferrule holder 122. Also, asmentioned previously, latch 102 is received onto front end 114 ofconnector body 104. In particular, in some embodiments, connector basebody :104 includes recesses 113 configured to receive guide bodies 139.As shown, connector base body 104 includes routing slots 105, latch armrelief 110, window 118, front end 114, and rear end 116.

Routing slots 105 are configured to hold fiber guide tubes 112 andoptical fiber 130, which is housed within fiber guide tube 112 whichextends from a rear end portion of connector base body 104 to withinferrule holder 122 to help guide the insertion of optical fiber 130(FIG. 18 ) via fiber guide tubes 112 into ferrule 120. Routing slots 105lead to recess 129 which receives spring 126. Spring 126 is configuredto interact with wails of connector base body 104 to bias ferrule holder122 and ferrule 120.

As mentioned previously, connector base body 104 includes latch armrelief 110. Latch arm relief 110 is configured to provide relief tolatch arm 102 as applied by boot assembly 108 when removing bootassembly 108 from connector assembly 100 as discussed below.

Connector base body 104 includes a window 118 near front end 114. Window118 is adjacent to latch arm relief 110 and provides access to opticalfiber 130 as discussed in greater detail herein. However, it iscontemplated that in alternate embodiments, connector base body 104 doesnot include a window 118 and optical fiber 130 is processed prior toinsertion into connector base body 104 and ferrule 120.

Front end 114 of connector base body 104 is configured to receiveferrule 120 and ferrule holder 122. Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14 , aferrule assembly 125 is shown. Ferrule assembly 125 includes ferrule 120and ferrule holder 122. As shown, ferrule 120 is received into ferruleholder 122. As also shown, ferrule holder 122 includes a ferrule holderwindow 123 distal to an end face of ferrule 120. Stated another way,ferrule holder window 123 is downstream of an end face of ferrule 120.Ferrule holder window 123 provides access to optical fiber 130 that isfed into ferrule 120, and ferrule holder window 123 enables treatment orprocessing of optical fiber 130 prior to being fed into ferrule 120 asdiscussed in greater detail herein.

Referring now to FIG. 14 , ferrule assembly 125 is coupled to a clipcarrier 128. Clip carrier 128 has latch arms 128A, 1288 that engage withinternal surfaces of connector base body 104 as shown in at least FIGS.15 and 16 . In particular, latch arms 128A, 1288 engage with connectorbase body 104 (FIGS. 15 and 16 ) such that window 118 is aligned withferrule holder window 123 as shown in FIG. 17 thereby enabling treatmentor processing of incoming optical fiber 130 as discussed in greaterdetail herein.

Referring briefly to FIG. 18 , a schematic of laser treatment ofincoming optical fiber 130 is shown. As shown, window 118 providesaccess to optical fiber 130 such that laser energy 131 can beadministered to optical fiber 130 through window 118. In this way, laserenergy 131 cleaves optical fiber 130 prior to the insertion of cleavedoptical fiber 130 into an internal bore 121 of ferrule 120. As shown,ferrule 120 includes a bonding agent 127 seated on internal bore 121.

Bonding agent 127 may be pre-loaded or stored within ferrule 120 (e.g.,bonding agent 127 may be pre-loaded into the internal bore 121 by themanufacturer of ferrule 120) for a significant amount of time (e.g., atleast an hour, a day, a year, etc.) before inserting optical fiber 130into internal bore 121. In some embodiments, bonding agent 127 may be afree-flowing powder material coupled within internal bore 121 viacompression. In an alternate embodiment, bonding agent 127 mayalternatively be extruded. In some embodiments, bonding agent 127 is notincluded in internal bore 121 as discussed below.

Discussion of possible bonding agents are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No,8,702,322, and additional details relating to such bonding agents can befound in U.S. Pat. No. 8,696,215 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,568,686, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference,

In addition to some residual heat generated by laser energy 131,additional laser energy 133 can be administered on or adjacent to theend face of ferrule 120 such that the heat generated by laser energy 133melts at least a portion of bonding agent 127 and expanding ferrule 120thereby enabling optical fiber 130 to adhere to ferrule 120.

As mentioned previously, in some embodiments, ferrule 120 does notinclude bonding agent 127 within internal bore 121. In such embodiments,optical fiber 130 (FIG. 5 ) is inserted directly into ferrule 120through internal bore 121 such that at least a portion of optical fiber130 protrudes outwardly from front end of ferrule 120.

Laser energies 131, 133 can be administered by a laser apparatus (notshown) that is commonly known in the art.

Rear end 116 of connector base body 104 is configured to receive crimpband 106. In a manner not shown herein, a fiber optic cable providingoptical fiber 130 (FIG. 18 ) also includes one or more layers ofmaterial (e.g., strength layer of aramid yarn) that may be crimped ontorear end 116 of connector base body 104. A crimp band (or “crimp ring”)106 may be provided for this purpose, Additionally, a strain-relievingboot (e.g., boot assembly 108) may be placed over the crimped region andextend rearwardly to cover a portion of the fiber optic cable.Variations of these aspects will be appreciated by persons familiar withthe design of fiber optic cable assemblies. For example, other ways ofsecuring a fiber optic cable to connector base body 104 are also knownand may be employed in some embodiments.

Boot assembly 108 is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 and is configured to limitradial movement of optical fiber cable and to actuate latch 102 duringassembly or disassembly of optical fiber connector assembly 100. Bootassembly 108 includes head portion 109 and a tail portion 111 that arecoupled together. In some embodiments, head portion 109 is coupled totail portion 111 in a snap fit configuration. In an alternateembodiment, boot assembly 108 could be constructed as an elastomerovermolded onto a boot assembly substrate. However, it is contemplatedthat in other alternate embodiments, alternate coupling configurationsmay be used. Boot assembly 108 provides a push pull user experience whenassembling and disassembling connector 101 as discussed in greaterdetail herein. As shown, boot assembly 108 also includes an aperture 132within a cut out 107 to receive rear protrusion 134 of latch 102 asdiscussed in greater detail herein, Stated another way, cut out 107(that includes aperture 132) is sized and configured to receive rearprotrusion 134 of latch 102 such that rear protrusion can be coupled toboot assembly 108 as discussed in greater detail herein. In addition,boot assembly 108 provides an advantage of being spatially efficientthereby enabling a high packing density of optical fiber connectorassemblies 100 in certain applications (e.g., data centers, etc.).

To assemble optical fiber connector assembly 100, optical fiber(s) 130and ferrule assembly 125 are inserted into connector base body 104 asshown in at least FIG. 11 . Then, crimp band 106 is applied onto rearend 116 of connector base body 104. Latch 102 is then applied ontoconnector base body 104 from front end 114 such that retentionprotrusion 138 of each latch arm 102A, 102B engage with a correspondingarm of connector base body 104, and guide bodies 139 are received intorecesses 113 of connector base body 104 such that guide bodies 139 meshand/or contact with front end 114 of connector base body 104. In someembodiments, retention protrusion 138 engages with window 118 ofconnector base body 104. Boot assembly 108 is then applied ontoconnector base body 104 from rear end 116 so that rear protrusionengages with cut out 107 of boot assembly 108.

Optical Fiber Connector Assembly 100

Referring to FIGS. 22-23 , various views of an alternate optical fiberconnector assembly 100′ are shown. Similar to optical fiber connectorassembly 100′, optical fiber connector assembly 100′ includes aconnector 101′ having a latch 102′, connector subassembly 103′, crimpband 106′, and a boot assembly 108′ each of which are coupled to eachother to form optical fiber connector assembly 100′.

Connector 101′ is configured to terminate the end of an optical fiber.Connector 101′ is configured to mechanically couple to an adapter orother receptacle and align cores of optical fibers with those in amating connector or other device on the opposite side of the receptacleso light can pass. As shown, connector 101′ is a duplex connector.However, it is contemplated that in alternate embodiments, othersuitable connectors may be used such as simplex connectors, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 24 , latch 102′ is shown. Latch 102′ is configuredto assist in coupling optical fiber connector assembly 100′ to relevantreceiving structures (e.g., receptables/adapters, receiver modules,etc.). Latch 102′ is coupled to connector base body 104′ where front end137′ of latch 102′ is received onto front end 114′ of connector basebody 104′. In particular, front end 137′ includes guide bodies 139′ thatextend from latch arms 102A′, 102B′ as shown, and guide bodies 139′couple to front end 114′ of connector base body 104′ as discussed ingreater detail below. As shown, guide bodies 139′ are received intorecess 113 of connector base body 104′ at front end 114′ of connectorbase body 104′ such that guide bodies 139′ contact front end 114′ ofconnector base body 104′ and are contoured to the shape of connectorbase body 104′ at front end 114′. Guide bodies 139′ include apertures141′ that define passages through which ferrules 120′ extend whenconnector 101′ is assembled (FIG. 22 ).

Latch 102′ is also configured to reverse the polarity of the opticalfiber connector assembly 100′ as discussed in greater detail herein. Asshown in FIG. 24 , latch 102′ includes latch arms 102A′, 1028′ that arejoined at a rear end 136′ of latch 102′ where the rear end 136′ includesa rear protrusion 134′. Latch arms 102A′, 102B′ are generally parallel;however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that inalternate embodiments, latch arms 102A′, 102B′ are not parallel witheach other. As also shown, latch 102′ also includes a centering member143′ that is configured to be inserted into a centering slot 145′ andmaintain the positioning of latch 102′ when latch 102′ is installed ontoconnector base body 104′ to couple latch 102′ onto connector base body104′. In addition, latch 102′ further includes a pair of bowflex arms147′ (also referred to as flex arms 147′) extending from rear end 136′and are positioned relative to connector base body 104′ by centeringmember 143′ as discussed above. Additional details regardinginstallation and removal of latch 102′ onto connector base body 104′ arediscussed in greater detail herein.

Rear protrusion 134′ is configured to latch onto boot assembly 108′ andprovides additional security of latch 102′ onto connector base body 104of connector assembly 100.

In some embodiments, latch 102′ is made of polymeric materials such asUltem®1000 as manufactured by SABIC and other suitable materials.However, in alternate embodiments, it is contemplated that othersuitable materials may be used for latch 102′.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26 , connector sub-assembly 103′ is shown.Connector subassembly 103′ includes a connector base body 104′, aferrule 120′, and a ferrule holder 122′ where connector base body 104 isconfigured to receive ferrule 120′ and ferrule holder 122′. Also, asmentioned previously, latch 102′ is received onto front end 114′ ofconnector body 104′. In particular, in some embodiments, connector basebody 104′ includes recesses 113′ configured to receive guide bodies139′. As shown, connector base body 104′ includes routing slots 105′,latch arm relief 110′, window 118′, front end 114′, and rear end 116′.

Routing slots 105′ are configured to hold fiber guide tubes 112′ andoptical fiber 130 (FIG. 18 ), which is housed within fiber guide tube112′ which extends from a rear end portion of connector base body 104′to within ferrule holder 122′ to help guide the insertion of opticalfiber 130 via fiber guide tubes 112′ into ferrule 120′. Routing slots105′ lead to recess 129′ which receives spring 126′. Spring 126′ isconfigured to interact with walls of connector base body 104′ to biasferrule holder 122′ and ferrule 120′.

As mentioned previously, connector base body 104′ includes latch armrelief 110′. Latch arm relief 110′ is configured to provide relief tolatch arm 102′ as applied by boot assembly 108′ when removing bootassembly 108′ from connector assembly 100′ as discussed below.

Connector base body 104′ includes a window 118′ near front end 114′,Window 118′ is adjacent to latch arm relief 110′ and provides access tooptical fiber 130 as discussed in greater detail herein, However, it iscontemplated that in alternate embodiments, connector base body 104′does not include a window 118′ and optical fiber 130 is processed priorto insertion into connector base body 104′ and ferrule 120′.

Front end 114′ of connector base body 104′ is configured to receiveferrule 120′ and ferrule holder 122′, Referring now to FIG. 27 , aferrule assembly 125′ is shown. Ferrule assembly 125′ includes ferrule120′ and ferrule holder 122′. As shown, a rear portion of ferrule 120′is received into ferrule holder 122′. As also shown, ferrule holder 122′includes a ferrule holder window 123′ distal to a rear end of ferrule120′. Stated another way, ferrule holder window 123′ is downstream of arear end of ferrule 120′. Ferrule holder window 123′ provides access tooptical fiber 130 that is fed into ferrule 120′, and ferrule holderwindow 123′ enables treatment or processing of optical fiber 130 priorto being fed into ferrule 120′ as discussed in greater detail herein.

Referring now to FIG. 28 , ferrule assembly 125′ is coupled to a clipcarrier 128′. In alternate embodiments, ferrule assembly 125 (FIGS. 13and 14 ) may be coupled to clip carrier 128′. As shown in FIGS. 28A-28C,clip carrier 128′ provides a housing structure with an aperture 151′through which a ferrule 120, 120′ extends and a receiving area 149′ influid communication with aperture 151′ where receiving area 149′receives ferrule assembly 125, 125′. Clip carrier 128′ also has asingular protrusion 128A′ along a bottom surface of clip carrier 128′.that engages with internal surfaces of connector base body 104′ asshown in at least FIG. 29 . In particular, latch arm 128A′ engages withconnector base body 104′ (FIG. 29 ) such that window 118′ is alignedwith ferrule holder window 123′ similar to what is shown in FIG. 17thereby enabling treatment or processing of incoming optical fiber 130as discussed herein with respect to FIG. 18 .

Similar to optical fiber connector assembly 100, optical fiber connectorassembly 100′ may include a bonding agent 127 as discussed above. Forthe sake of brevity, discussion of bonding agent 127 is omitted in thissection, and the relevant disclosure of either the presence or absenceof bonding agent 127 (and corresponding laser treatments) for opticalfiber connector assembly 100 applies to optical fiber connector assembly100′.

Rear end 116′ of connector base body 104′ is configured to receive crimpband 106′. In a manner not shown herein, a fiber optic cable providingoptical fiber :130 (FIG. 18 ) also includes one or more layers ofmaterial (e.g., strength layer of aramid yarn) that may be crimped ontorear end 116′ of connector base body 104′. A crimp band (or “crimpring”) 106′ may be provided for this purpose. As shown, in someembodiments, crimp band 106 is an elongated tube that couples to rearend 116′ of connector base body 104′ and extends along a length of bootassembly 108′ such that crimp band 106′ extends beyond the length ofboot assembly 108′. Additionally, a strain-relieving boot (e.g., bootassembly 108′) may be placed over the crimped region and extendrearwardly to cover a portion of the fiber optic cable. Variations ofthese aspects will be appreciated by persons familiar with the design offiber optic cable assemblies. For example, other ways of securing afiber optic cable to connector base body 104′ are also known and may beemployed in some embodiments.

Boot assembly 108′ is shown in FIGS. 30-32 and is configured to limitradial movement of optical fiber cable and to actuate latch 102′ duringassembly or disassembly of optical fiber connector assembly 100′. Bootassembly 108′ includes head portion 109′ and a tail portion 111′ thatare coupled together, e.g., through a mechanical connector or by way ofbeing integrally formed together as a unitary structure. In someembodiments, head portion 109′ is coupled to tail portion 111′ in a snapfit configuration. In an alternate embodiment, boot assembly 108′ couldbe constructed as an elastomer overmolded onto a boot assemblysubstrate. However, it is contemplated that in other alternateembodiments, alternate coupling configurations may be used. Bootassembly 108′ provides a push-pull user experience when assembling anddisassembling connector 101′ as discussed in greater detail herein. Asshown, boot assembly 108′ also includes an aperture 132′ within a cutout 107′ to receive rear protrusion 134′ of latch 102′ as discussed ingreater detail herein. Stated another way, cut out 107′ (that includesaperture 132′) is sized and configured to receive rear protrusion 134′of latch 102′ such that rear protrusion 134′ can be coupled to bootassembly 108′ as discussed in greater detail herein. In particular, bootassembly 108′ includes a downward protrusion 153′ that defines a recess153′ where rear protrusion 134′ is received and extends into cut out107′ (that includes aperture 132′). In addition, boot assembly 108′provides an advantage of being spatially efficient thereby enabling ahigh packing density of optical fiber connector assemblies 100′ incertain applications (e.g., data centers, etc.).

Optical fiber connector assembly 100′ may be assembled using stepssimilar to those described above for optical connector assembly 100. Assuch, discussion of the steps with respect to optical fiber connectorassembly 100′ are omitted for the sake of brevity.

Having described both optical fiber connector assembly 100 and opticalfiber connector assembly 100′, methods of reversing polarity for bothembodiments will now be described.

Method of Reversing Polarity of Optical Fiber Connector Assembly 100

Referring now to FIGS. 33-44 , a method of reversing polarity of opticalfiber connector assembly 100 is shown. To reverse polarity of opticalfiber connector assembly 100, latch 102 is first disengaged from bootassembly 108. In particular, with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34 , adownward force in direction D is applied onto rear end 116 and rearprotrusion 134 such that rear protrusion disengages with cut out 107 ofboot assembly 108. Once disengaged with rear protrusion 134, bootassembly is moved along direction D1 to disengage boot assembly fromconnector base body 104 as shown in FIG. 34 . Then, as shown in FIG. 35, an upward force D2 is applied onto latch arms 102A, 102B to disengageretention protrusions 138 from connector base body 104 (as shown in FIG.10 ). Once disengaged, latch 102 is removed from connector base body 104by moving latch 102 in a direction D3 as shown in FIG. 36 where guidebodies 139 are removed from recesses 113.

To reverse the polarity of optical fiber connector 101 and optical fiberconnector assembly 101, latch 102 is rotated about 180 degrees relativeto a central axis A of latch 102 in either direction R1, and bootassembly 108 is rotated about 180 degrees relative to a central axis A2in either direction R3 as shown in FIG. 37 . Then, as shown in FIG. 38 ,flipped latch 102 is coupled onto connector subassembly 103 when flippedlatch 102 is moved along direction D4 such that flipped latch 102 isre-applied onto connector base body 104 of connector subassembly 103such that retention protrusions 138 engage with connector base body 104of connector subassembly 103 and guide bodies 139 are received intorecesses 113 such that guide bodies 139 mesh and/or contact with frontend 114 of connector base body 104. Boot assembly 108 is then coupled toflipped latch 102 and connector subassembly 103 by moving boot assembly108 along direction D5 as shown in FIG. 39 thereby resulting in anoptical fiber connector assembly 100A with a reversed polarity as shownin FIG. 40 . Stated another way, with respect to boot assembly 108, bootassembly 108 is applied onto connector base body 104 of connectorsubassembly 103 from rear end 116 to engage with rear protrusion 134 offlipped latch arm 102 thereby resulting in an optical fiber connectorassembly 100A with a reversed polarity as shown in FIG. 40 .

In an alternate embodiment, after optical fiber connector assembly 100is disassembled as shown in FIG. 36 , connector subassembly 103 isrotated about 180 degrees relative to a central axis A1 by movingconnector subassembly 103 in either direction R2 as shown in FIG. 41 .Then, as shown in FIG. 42 , latch 102 is coupled onto flipped connectorsubassembly 103 when latch 102 is moved along direction D6 such thatlatch 102 is re-applied onto flipped connector base body 104 of flippedconnector subassembly 103 such that retention protrusions 138 engagewith flipped connector base body 104 of flipped connector subassembly103 and guide bodies 139 are received into recesses 113 such that guidebodies 139 mesh and/or contact with front end 114 of connector base body104. Flipped boot assembly 108 are then coupled to latch 102 and flippedconnector subassembly 103 by moving flipped boot assembly 108 alongdirection D7 as shown in FIG. 43 thereby resulting in an optical fiberconnector assembly 100B with a reversed polarity as shown in FIG. 44 .Stated another way, with respect to flipped boot assembly 108, flippedboot assembly 108 is applied onto flipped connector base body 104 offlipped connector subassembly 103 from rear end 116 to engage with rearprotrusion 134 of latch arm 102 thereby resulting in an optical fiberconnector assembly 100A with a reversed polarity as shown in FIG. 44 .

Advantageously, the polarity reversal process outlined herein enablesthe polarity of optical fiber connector 101 to be reversed withouttwisting optical fibers 130.

Method of Reversing Polarity of Optical Fiber Connector Assembly 100′

Referring now to FIGS. 45-56 , a method of reversing polarity of opticalfiber connector assembly 100′ is shown. To reverse polarity of opticalfiber connector assembly 100′, latch 102′ is first disengaged from bootassembly 108′. In particular, with reference to FIG. 45 , a downwardforce in direction D is applied onto rear end 116′ and rear protrusion134′ such that rear protrusion disengages with cut out 107′ of bootassembly 108′. Once disengaged with rear protrusion 134′, boot assemblys moved along direction D1 to disengage boot assembly from connectorbase body 104′ as shown in FIG. 46 . Then, as shown in FIG. 47 , anupward force D2 is applied onto latch arms 102A′, 102B′ to disengagecentering member 143′ from centering slot 145′ of connector base body104′. Once disengaged, latch 102′ is removed from connector base body104′ by moving latch 102′ in a direction D3 as shown in FIG. 48 whereguide bodies 139′ are removed from recesses 113′.

To reverse the polarity of optical fiber connector 101′ and opticalfiber connector assembly 100′, latch 102′ is rotated about 180 degreesrelative to a central axis A of latch 102′ in either direction R1, andboot assembly 108′ is rotated about 180 degrees relative to a centralaxis A2 in either direction R3 as shown in FIG. 49 . Then, as shown inFIG. 50 , flipped latch 102′ is coupled onto connector subassembly 103′when flipped latch 102′ is moved along direction D4 such that flippedlatch 102′ is re-applied onto connector base body 104′ of connectorsubassembly 103′ such that retention protrusions 138′ engage withconnector base body 104′ of connector subassembly 103′ and guide bodies139′ are received into recesses 113′ such that guide bodies 139′ meshand/or contact with front end 114′ of connector base body 104′. Bootassembly 108′ is then coupled to flipped latch 102′ and connectorsubassembly 103′ by moving boot assembly 108′ along direction D5 asshown in FIG. 51 thereby resulting in an optical fiber connectorassembly 100A′ with a reversed polarity as shown in FIG. 52 . Statedanother way, with respect to boot assembly 108′, boot assembly 108′ isapplied onto connector base body 104′ of connector subassembly 103′ fromrear end 116′ to engage with rear protrusion 134′ of flipped latch arm102′ thereby resulting in an optical fiber connector assembly 100A′ witha reversed polarity as shown in FIG. 52 .

In an alternate embodiment, after optical fiber connector assembly 100′is disassembled as shown in FIG. 48 , connector subassembly 103′ isrotated about 180 degrees relative to a central axis Al by movingconnector subassembly 103′ in either direction R2 as shown in FIG. 53 .Then, as shown in FIG. 54 , latch 102′ is coupled onto flipped connectorsubassembly 103′ when latch 102′ is moved along direction D6 such thatlatch 102′ is re-applied onto flipped connector base body 104′ offlipped connector subassembly 103′ such that retention protrusions 138′engage with flipped connector base body 104′ of flipped connectorsubassembly 103′ and guide bodies 139′ are received into recesses 113′such that guide bodies 139′ mesh and/or contact with front end 114′ ofconnector base body 104′. Flipped boot assembly 108′ are then coupled tolatch 102′ and flipped connector subassembly 103′ by moving flipped bootassembly 108′ along direction D7 as shown in FIG. 55 thereby resultingin an optical fiber connector assembly 100B′ with a reversed polarity asshown in FIG. 56 , Stated another way, with respect to flipped bootassembly 108′, flipped boot assembly 108′ is applied onto flippedconnector base body 104′ of flipped connector subassembly 103′ from rearend 116′ to engage with rear protrusion 134′ of latch arm 102′ therebyresulting in an optical fiber connector assembly 100A′ with a reversedpolarity as shown in FIG. 56 .

Advantageously, the polarity reversal process outlined herein enablesthe polarity of optical fiber connector 101′ to be reversed withouttwisting optical fibers 130′.

There are many other alternatives and variations that will beappreciated by persons skilled in optical connectivity without departingfrom the spirit or scope of this disclosure, For at least this reason,the invention should be construed to include everything within the scopeof the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of reversing a polarity of a connectorassembly, the connector assembly including a connector subassembly and alatch having a plurality of latch arms, the latch coupled to theconnector subassembly; the method comprising: removing a boot assemblyfrom the connector subassembly; removing the latch from the connectorsubassembly by applying an upward force onto the latch; inverting one ofthe latch and the connector subassembly from a first orientation to asecond orientation about a central axis of the latch or a central axisof the connector subassembly; applying the latch onto the connectorsubassembly at a front end of the connector subassembly.
 2. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: disengaging the latch from the bootassembly coupled to the connector subassembly by applying a downwardforce onto a rear protrusion of the latch.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the latch has the first orientation before being removed fromthe connector pre-assembly, and wherein the inverting step includesrotating the latch 180 degrees about the central axis of the latch tothe second orientation,
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the invertingstep further includes rotating the boot assembly 180 degrees about acentral axis of the boot assembly.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thelatch further includes at least one flex arm extending from a rearportion of the latch and a centering member extending from the rearportion of the latch, wherein the latch is coupled to the connectorsubassembly when the centering member is inserted into a centering slotof the connector subassembly.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein removingthe latch includes applying an upward force onto the latch such that thecentering member is removed from the centering slot and then applying alateral force such that the latch is removed from the connectorsubassembly.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein removing the bootassembly includes sliding the boot assembly such that the boot assemblydisengages from the connector subassembly.
 8. The method of claim 1,further including coupling the boot assembly onto the connectorsubassembly and the latch in the second orientation.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the connector pre-assembly has the first orientationbefore removing the latch from the connector pre-assembly, and whereinthe inverting step includes rotating the connector subassembly 180degrees about a central axis of the connector subassembly to the secondorientation.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the connectorsubassembly includes at least one ferrule assembly comprising a ferrulecoupled to a ferrule holder, wherein the ferrule holder is within a clipcarrier that has a protrusion along a bottom surface of the clip carrierthat engages with the connector subassembly thereby coupling the ferruleand the ferrule holder to the connector subassembly.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the latch includes a pair of guide bodies on a frontend of the latch that are received onto the front end of the connectorsubassembly.
 12. A method of assembling an optical fiber connectorassembly and reversing the polarity of the optical fiber connectorassembly, the method comprising: inserting a ferrule into a connectorsubassembly; cleaving an optical fiber; inserting the optical fiber intoa rear end of the connector subassembly and into an internal bore of theferrule; securing the optical fiber to ferrule with an adhesive;coupling a boot assembly to a rear end of the connector subassembly, andcoupling a latch onto a front end of the connector subassembly, whereina rear end of the latch is coupled to the boot assembly; the rear endincludes at least one flex arm and a centering member extending from therear portion of the latch, wherein the centering member engages with acentering slot of the connector subassembly to couple the latch to theconnector subassembly.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein cleaving theoptical fiber occurs after the optical fiber is inserted into the rearend of the connector subassembly and before the optical fiber isinserted into the internal bore of the ferrule.
 14. The method of claim12, further including: disengaging the latch from the boot assembly;removing the boot assembly; removing the latch from the connectorassembly by applying a force onto the latch such that the centeringmember of the latch is removed from a centering slot of the connectorsubassembly; inverting the latch or the connector subassembly from afirst orientation to a second orientation about a central axis of therespective latch or the respective connector subassembly; and applyingthe latch onto the connector subassembly.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the inverting step includes rotating the latch 180 degrees aboutthe central axis of the latch to form an inverted latch; and wherein theapplying the latch step includes applying the inverted latch onto theconnector subassembly.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the invertingstep further includes rotating the boot assembly 180 degrees about acentral axis of the boot assembly.
 17. The method of claim 14, whereinthe inverting step includes rotating the connector subassembly 180degrees about the central axis of the connector subassembly to form aninverted connector subassembly; and wherein the applying the latch stepincludes applying the latch onto the inverted connector subassembly. 18.An optical fiber connector assembly comprising: a duplex optical fiberconnector assembly comprising: a connector subassembly including aferrule coupled to a ferrule holder, the ferrule and the ferrule holdercoupled to the connector subassembly, and the ferrule extending beyond afront end of the connector subassembly; a boot assembly coupled to theconnector subassembly; and a latch having a plurality of latch arms, thelatch having a front portion coupled to the front end of the connectorsubassembly and a rear portion coupled to the boot assembly; and therear portion includes at least one flex arm and a centering memberextending from the rear portion of the latch, wherein the centeringmember engages with a centering slot of the connector subassembly. 19.The optical fiber connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the rearportion of the latch further includes a rear protrusion that engageswith the boot assembly.
 20. The optical fiber connector assembly ofclaim 18, wherein the boot assembly includes a head portion and a tailportion coupled together, and wherein the head portion includes a cutout, wherein the rear protrusion engages with the cut out on the headportion.
 21. The optical fiber connector assembly of claim 18, furtherincluding a clip carrier having a protrusion along a bottom surface ofthe clip carrier that engages with the connector subassembly therebycoupling the ferrule and the ferrule holder to the connectorsubassembly, wherein the ferrule and the ferrule holder are housedwithin the clip carrier.
 22. The optical fiber connector assembly ofclaim 19, wherein the latch includes guide bodies connected to theplurality of latch arms, wherein the guide bodies are received inrecesses on the front end of the connector body.